Indoor Farming Company Launches in Kearny
Indoor Farming Company Launches in Kearny
Caitlin Mota | The Jersey Journal
By Caitlin Mota | The Jersey Journal
on March 02, 2017 at 2:34 PM, updated March 02, 2017 at 4:16 PM
KEARNY - A new farming company is growing its produce at a quicker and more cost-effective rate than traditional farms.
The secret to the success? The produce is grown indoors.
Bowery, based in the southern section of Kearny, was founded two years ago by Irving Fain and officially launched last week. The company dubs itself as the first to grow "post organic produce."
"We have completely pure and clean crops," Fain said.
By growing produce - like kale and arugula - indoors, Fain said the company eliminates dealing with harsh weather conditions and is able to bring its products to local retailers quicker then other distributors.
Fain previously worked in software and described himself as an entrepenuer. He wanted to take what he learned in the tech industry and find a way to address agricultural issues.
"I saw the power of technology and the power of innovation technology," he said.
More than 70 percent of the country's water supply is used for agriculture, Fain said, though only a fraction of that is necessary for crops to grow.
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Using hydroponic techniques and software that controls the atmosphere inside the farm, produce crews significantly quicker without using any pesticides.
Bowery currently sells six products in locals stores, including the new Whole Foods that opened in Newark on Wednesday. Celebrity Chef Tom Colicchio uses the produce at his New York restaurant and has made investments in the company, Fain said.
The company currently employees 13 people with more hires expected as the it expands. A second farm is already in the works, though Fain said the exact location in the tri-state area hasn't been decided.
Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.